THREAT TO OLLIE’S DREAM RETURN
OLLIE NORWOOD will be “gutted” if he is denied his dream return to Old Trafford.
Norwood spent 14 years at Manchester United and has been hoping to play there since Sir Alex Ferguson released him in 2012.
But his dream could be dashed, despite the restart, because Sheffield United’s trip to Old Trafford may be switched to a neutral venue for health and safety reasons.
Norwood (left), an everpresent for the Blades in the Premier League this season with 28 appearances, says he would be devastated if he could not play at Old Trafford.
“I’d be pretty gutted, really, if that was to happen,” said the former Northern Ireland international. “But the safety of the public is obviously more important.
“If the police feel it’s not safe and the Government feel it’s not safe, then we’ll be guided by that. There’s nothing we can do about it.
“But we’re both going to be in the Premier League next year. Hopefully we will get that opportunity then if it’s not going to be this season.”
Fergie told Norwood he could become a Premier League player when he let him go, and the midfielder is grateful for the schooling he received at United.
He said: “It was where I had my football education. But I have never had the opportunity to go back there and play since I left.
“It would have been a fantastic occasion to play at Old Trafford and walk out where it all began but if it’s not to be, it’s not to be. It’s just one of those things.
“It’s getting pretty boring, but we are guided by what we’re told to do.
‘‘If that’s what they think is the safest option, then that’s the guidance we must follow.”